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The Lost Children by Susan McDonald – Author Interview

The Lost Children by Susan McDonald - Book Review

It's with such delight today we share our book review and author interview of the recently released novel The Lost Children, by none other than one of our loveliest long-standing blog readers and guest contributors, Susan McDonald. Susan loves France, and in particular the France Riviera, and has spent much time in Villefranche-sur-Mer. In fact she's previously written an article for us on this gorgeous town, often called the Jewel of the French Riviera - Villefranche-Sur-Mer on the French Riviera. Susan has also written an article on the best Walks in the French Riviera which highlights top spots to go, places to stay and how to explore hidden wonders whilst walking the French Riviera.

So bringing her knowledge of the region, love of history and English teaching and writing skills together, Susan has written a wonderful book that enticed me from the very beginning. With characters that feel real, places and events that you can easily imagine and a dramatic storyline that is evocative, I think you'll also love The Lost Children.

Author Patricia Sands – A Favourite France Author

Cover artwork of book Drawing Lessons by author Patricia Sands

Patricia Sands is a favourite France author who brings the magic of France alive on every page of her books, and also in real life on her South of France Memories Tours. I know, that if you don't already love Patricia's novels or haven't yet toured with my lovely dynamo of a friend, you're going to love getting to know her in this meet-the-author post.

Author Patricia Sands - A Favourite France Author

Patricia lives two hours north of Toronto, but her heart's other home is the South of France where she spends part of each year on the Côte d'Azur. Patricia’s work has been described as “Celebrating the rewarding friendships and bonds women share, [with] stories that examine the challenges life often throws in our paths. Location features prominently in all of her novels. Her philosophy is that it's never too late to begin something new, to seize each day and be a possibilitarian! As the saying goes, just do it!” – Amazon bio

Found in good bookstores, on Amazon and other online book outlets are Patricia's books: The Bridge Club, Love in Provence Series, Drawing Lessons, Les Villa des Violettes Series and The Secrets We Hide. Now let's meet the gorgeous Patricia Sands…

Victor Hugo – One of the Greatest French Writers

Victor Hugo – One of the Greatest French Writers

Victor Hugo is considered to be one of the greatest French writers of all time. He was born Victor-Marie Hugo in Besançon in February 1802 and is most famous for his novel Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. Victor Hugo Avenue in Paris is a lasting memorial to the French writer and looks amazing with its symmetrical tree lines when viewed from the top of the Arc de Triomphe. (Photo above)

Victor Hugo was vocal in his political views, publicly and passionately supporting Republicanism and actively critical of Absolutism. Gaining national hero status because of his literary works and outspoken criticism of Louis Napoleon, when he died in 1885, he was given a national funeral, his body then lay in state at the Arc de Triomphe and he was later interred in the Panthéon.

Annette Charlton

Annette lives with her family between their homes in France and Australia. She’s been featured in International magazines including French Property News, on numerous blogs and travel websites and appeared on ABC National Radio. You can connect on Instagram or Facebook.

www.afrenchcollection.com

An Insider’s Guide to Provence by Keith Van Sickle

Market place with cafes in Arles, Provence

'An Insider's Guide to Provence' by Keith Van Sickle

The opening quote in Keith Van Sickle's latest book, 'An Insider's Guide to Provence' is the perfect quote describing the beautiful area of Provence ...

"When the Good Lord begins to doubt the world, he remembers that he created Provence" - Frédéric Mistral

Author Keith knows Provence well and his latest, and third book, is a guide sharing everything he's learnt over more than a decade of living part-time in, and exploring Provence, with his trusty co-adventurer and wife, Val. Acknowledging that the region is vast and covering it in one book would be impractical, Keith instead focuses on St Rémy de Provence and the places they know best.

My French Platter Replenished: Book Review

A Journey to a Dream Life in France

Today I have a treat for you with a book extract from author Annemarie Rawson from her new book 'My French Platter Replenished'. This delightful memoir from Annemarie Rawson is the second book in her 'My French Platter' series. Annemarie's first book 'My French Platter' tells the story of how she, and her husband Steve, leave their life in New Zealand to manage a 15th century farmhouse in France. Little do they know that they will end up living in filth, rely on dilapidated equipment and deal with a belligerent boss. During this period they lived near Brens.

Annemarie's second book (cover pictured above) 'My French Platter Replenished' takes the reader on a further journey of their life in France whilst working in Lisle-sur-Tarn at Domaine de Mènerque and later at Combe de Merigot, near Gaillac. We get to meet more friends, experience their woes and joys and also to try out the recipes that Annemarie shares. I love the recipes that are a bonus find at the end of both books. I'm sure you'll love trying them out for yourself.

Julie Child in Paris – Following in the Footsteps of America’s French Chef

Julia Child in Paris

Want to follow in the footsteps of the famous American French Chef Julia Child? Well, when you spend a lot of time in Paris you will undoubtably visit many of the places that Julia also frequented during her life in Paris.

Julia Child has been described as America's French chef and is famous for her cooking, her books and as host of her acclaimed television show, The French Chef. Let's go find Julia Child's Paris together.

A party without cake is just a meeting. - Julia Child

The French Photographer: Book Review

The French Photographer by Natasha Lester - Book Review

The French Photographer is the latest novel by Natasha Lester, the bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress and A Kiss From Mr Fitzgerald.

The French Photographer is based upon the life of Lee Miller, a Vogue model, who defied all the rules and became one of the first female photojournalists of World War II. Lee Miller's true story is an amazing one and we thank Lorna Laycock, our guest contributor for her review of the recently released book The French Photographer.

Background

Author Natasha Lester invites the reader to journey beside Jessica May, whose character is based on Lee Miller, to view events and characters as though through the photographer’s lens.

Château Gudanes – Australian Couple Restore A French Château

“A Château in the south of France, under restoration…

Once upon a time a thirteenth century fortress, a fifteenth century castle, an eighteenth century palatial château, and, after decades of neglect, an abandoned ruin upon a forgotten hilltop…” – Château Gudane

Looking for a true love story that never ends? Then the tale of Karina and Craig Waters, the Australian couple who purchased Château Gudanes in southern France will enthral you. From the moment this Perth couple gingerly walked the collapsed floors of Château Gudanes and spied her damp crumbling walls they were in love with her.

Annette Charlton